DAO Modulators

Alcohol

Green Tea

Black Tea

Medications

Diamine Oxidase activity can be negatively impacted by a number of different factors including genetics, diet, and medications.

Alcohol is a great example of how diet can influence DAO activity and histamine levels. While may alcoholic beverages contain histamine and alcohol itself can cause the release of endogenous histamine, it directly blocks effects of DAO. Thus, alcohol is a triple threat for those sensitive to histamine, quickly setting the body up for a histamine challenge, even in those who are otherwise display healthy levels of DAO.

Tea—the world’s most consumed beverage—can also block DAO activity. Fermented varieties can pose an even greater challenge, as they can introduce more histamine into the system while simultaneously triggering the release of histamine much like alcohol.

A wide variety of medications are known or suspected to block the activity of DAO. The following is a short list of common OTC and prescription medications known to reduce DAO activity. This list is not complete or definitive. If you suspect your medication may play a role in your DAO activity or histamine tolerance, consult with your pharmacist or healthcare provider.